Ex-Kearney Probation Officer Gets 9 Years for Sex Crimes

Thomas Peterson, 57, of Kearney, Nebraska, is headed to federal prison for nine years after being convicted of violating the civil rights of four female probationers through non-consensual sexual contact. The sentence, handed down by Senior U.S. District Judge Richard G. Kopf, marks the maximum penalty allowed under law. Peterson must also serve five years of supervised release upon completion of his prison term. He is ordered to self-surrender to the Bureau of Prisons by January 9, 2017.

Peterson, once a trusted state probation officer with the District 9 office in Kearney, exploited his authority over women under court-ordered supervision. From 2010 to January 2014, he used his position to subject vulnerable probationers to unsolicited sexual advances and physical contact. The abuse came to light after multiple victims stepped forward, exposing a pattern of predatory behavior masked by the legitimacy of his badge and job title.

A federal jury in Lincoln, Nebraska, convicted Peterson in July on four counts of civil rights violations and one count of making false statements to the FBI. During the trial, prosecutors presented overwhelming evidence that Peterson had repeatedly crossed professional and legal boundaries, violating the constitutional right to bodily integrity guaranteed under federal law. His lies to investigators only deepened the betrayal of public trust.

Three additional women testified about sexually charged comments and advances made by Peterson, though these incidents did not escalate to physical contact. Their testimonies helped paint a broader picture of a man who wielded power not to rehabilitate, but to intimidate and exploit. The jury found that his actions were not isolated lapses in judgment but a sustained campaign of abuse targeting those already entangled in the justice system.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation, uncovering a disturbing abuse of power that went unchecked for years. As a probation officer, Peterson was tasked with enforcing court mandates and guiding offenders toward accountability. Instead, he weaponized his role, turning supervision sessions into opportunities for manipulation and violation. His conviction sends a clear message: those who violate public trust will face federal consequences.

U.S. Attorney Deborah R. Gilg emphasized that the justice system will hold enforcers accountable when they become predators. “No one is above the law, especially those given authority over others,” Gilg stated. “Peterson betrayed his oath, his profession, and the women he was supposed to supervise.” The case stands as a chilling reminder of the dangers posed when power goes unwatched.